Catheter system facilitating reduced drag force

ABSTRACT

A catheter system may include a needle assembly coupled to a catheter adapter. The needle assembly may include a housing, an introducer needle, a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a needle tip shield feature. A distal tip of the introducer needle may be configured to be proximally withdrawn from a first position to a second position in which a bump feature of the introducer needle contacts and is prevented from moving through the proximal opening. In response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the second position to a third position, the housing may move proximally, and the needle tip shield feature may be released to block the distal opening. The needle tip shield feature may not contact the introducer needle when the distal tip moves proximally from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the third position, which may reduce a friction-based drag force on the introducer needle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/873,088, filed Jul. 11, 2019 and entitled CATHETERSYSTEM FACILITATING REDUCED DRAG FORCE which is incorporated herein inits entirety.

BACKGROUND

Intravenous catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusiontherapies. For example, intravenous catheters may be used for infusingfluids, such as normal saline solution, various medicaments, and totalparenteral nutrition, into a patient. Intravenous catheters may also beused for withdrawing blood from the patient.

Common types of intravenous catheter are peripheral IV catheters(“PIVCs”), peripherally inserted central catheters (“PICCs”), andmidline catheters. Intravenous catheters may include “over-the needle”catheters, which may be mounted over a needle having a sharp distal tip.The sharp distal tip may be used to pierce skin and the vasculature ofthe patient. Insertion of the intravenous catheter into the vasculaturemay follow the piercing of the vasculature by the needle. The needle andthe intravenous catheter are generally inserted at a shallow anglethrough the skin into the vasculature of the patient with a bevel of theneedle facing up and away from the skin of the patient. Once placementof the needle within the vasculature has been confirmed, the user maytemporarily occlude flow in the vasculature and withdraw the needle,leaving the intravenous catheter in place for future blood withdrawaland/or fluid infusion.

When the needle is withdrawn from the intravenous catheter, cliniciansafety is a major concern. Not only is there a risk of needle-stickinjury, the clinician wants to avoid any blood exposure from the needle.Competing for the clinician's desire for safety is a desire to maintainthe intravenous catheter within the vasculature of the patient duringwithdrawal of the needle. Friction-based drag force as the needle iswithdrawn from the intravenous catheter may lead to dislodgement of thecatheter from the insertion site. Due to the friction-based drag force,the clinician may somewhat awkwardly hold the intravenous catheter inplace while trying to withdraw the needle in a safe manner.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments thatsolve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such asthose described above. Rather, this background is only provided toillustrate one example technology area where some implementationsdescribed herein may be practiced.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to catheter systems, as well asrelated devices and methods. In some embodiments, a catheter system mayinclude a catheter adapter, which may include a distal end, a proximalend, and a wall forming a lumen. In some embodiments, the wall mayinclude a slot. In some embodiments, the catheter system may include acatheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter.

In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle assemblycoupled to the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the needleassembly may include an introducer needle, which may include a distaltip and a bump feature. In some embodiments, the distal tip may bedisposed distal to the catheter in a first position. In someembodiments, the first position may correspond to an insertion position,ready for insertion into vasculature of a patient.

In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a housing, whichmay include a distal opening, a proximal opening, and a side opening. Insome embodiments, a diameter of the proximal opening may be less than anouter diameter of the bump feature. In some embodiments, a proximal endof the side opening may be distal to a proximal end of the slot.

In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a spring clip,which may be disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, thespring clip may include a first end and a second end. In someembodiments, the first end may include a U-shaped portion, which may bepartially disposed within the slot. In some embodiments, the proximalend of the side opening may be disposed within the U-shaped portion tobias the U-shaped portion outwardly. In some embodiments, the U-shapedportion and/or an entirety of the spring clip may not contact theintroducer needle, which may reduce a friction-based drag force on theintroducer needle as the introducer needle is withdrawn.

In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tipproximally from the first position to a second position, the bumpfeature may contact the proximal opening. In some embodiments, inresponse to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the secondposition to a third position, the housing and the proximal end of theside opening may move proximally, the U-shaped portion may be releasedand move inwardly, and the spring clip may block the distal opening. Insome embodiments, blocking the distal opening may prevent needle stickinjury. In some embodiments, the first end of the spring clip may abutthe proximal end of the side opening, which may prevent the spring clipfrom moving distally in response to the withdrawal of the distal tipproximally from the second position to the third position.

In some embodiments, the first end of the spring clip may include ashield portion. In some embodiments, the shield portion may be generallyL-shaped and may extend from the U-shaped portion. In some embodiments,in response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the secondposition to the third position, the shield portion may block the distalopening.

In some embodiments, the first end of the spring clip may include a lip,which may extend proximally from the shield portion. In someembodiments, the shield portion may be disposed in between the lip andthe U-shaped portion. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal ofthe distal tip proximally from the second position to the thirdposition, the distal tip may be disposed between the lip and theU-shaped portion.

In some embodiments, the spring clip may include an opening. In someembodiments, the introducer needle may extend through the opening of thespring clip. In some embodiments, the spring clip is spaced apart fromthe opening, which may reduce a friction-based drag force on theintroducer needle as the introducer needle is withdrawn. In someembodiments, an outer diameter of the introducer needle proximal to thebump feature may be slightly less than the proximal opening of thehousing such that the introducer needle contacts and is supported by theproximal opening. In these embodiments, a close fit between theintroducer needle and the proximal opening of the housing may preventblood leakage through the proximal opening of the housing.

In some embodiments, the spring clip may be generally U-shaped betweenthe first end and the second end. In some embodiments, the opening ofthe spring clip may be disposed within a mouth of a general U-shapebetween the first end and the second end. In some embodiments, the mouthof the general U-shape between the first end and the second end may facein a distal direction, and a mouth of the U-shaped portion may face in aproximal direction.

In some embodiments, the housing may include a groove. In someembodiments, the second end of the spring clip may be disposed withinthe groove. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distaltip proximally from the second position to the third position, thehousing and the proximal end of the side opening may move proximally andthe second end of the spring clip may move closer to a distal end of thegroove.

In some embodiments, the housing may include one or more support ledges,which may be disposed lateral to the introducer needle. In someembodiments, the needle assembly may include a needle tip shield, whichmay include one or more contact surfaces. In some embodiments, theneedle tip shield may include an elongated body with one or more armsextending inwardly from the elongated body. In some embodiments, thearms may include the contact surfaces. In some embodiments, the needletip shield may not contact the introducer needle, which may reduce afriction-based drag force on the introducer needle as the introducerneedle is withdrawn.

In some embodiments, a compression element may be disposed at leastpartially around the housing and the needle tip shield. In someembodiments, the contact surfaces may be aligned with the support ledgesand the compression element may press the contact surfaces against thesupport ledges. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of thedistal tip proximally from the second position to the third position,the housing may move proximally and the contact surfaces may beunaligned with the support ledges such that the compression elementmoves the housing and the needle tip shield together and the needle tipshield blocks the distal opening.

In some embodiments, the wall may include a slot. In some embodiments,the needle tip shield may include a protrusion disposed within the slot.In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tipproximally from the second position to the third position, the housingmay move proximally and the contact surfaces may be unaligned with thesupport ledges such that the compression element moves the housing andthe needle tip shield together and the protrusion is removed from theslot. In some embodiments, in response to the protrusion being removedfrom the slot, the catheter adapter and the needle assembly may beuncoupled.

In some embodiments, the housing may include an outer housing. In someembodiments, the needle assembly may include a bias element disposedwithin the housing. In some embodiments, the bias element may include aproximal opening, which may include a diameter less than the outerdiameter of the bump feature. In some embodiments, the introducer needlemay extend through the distal opening of the housing and the proximalopening of the bias element.

In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include another springclip, which may be disposed within the housing. In some embodiments, thespring clip may include a U-shaped portion and an arm that extendsdistal to the U-shaped portion. In some embodiments, the arm may beengaged with the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the bias elementmay contact the U-shaped portion to bias the spring clip in a compressedposition.

In some embodiments, the distal tip may be configured to be withdrawnproximally from the first position to a particular second position inwhich the bump feature contacts the proximal opening of the biaselement. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distaltip proximally from the second position to a particular third position,the bias element may move proximal to the U-shaped portion to releasethe U-shaped portion from the compressed position and the arm from thecatheter adapter, and the U-shaped portion may block the distal openingsuch that the distal tip of the introducer needle is prevented fromexiting the distal opening.

In some embodiments, the bias element may include an inner housing,which may surround the introducer needle. In some embodiments, the biaselement may include a base and an extension extending distally from thebase. In some embodiments, the extension may contact the U-shapedportion to bias the spring clip in the compressed position. In someembodiments, the base may include the proximal opening of the biaselement. In some embodiments, the extension is spaced apart from theintroducer needle. In some embodiments, the extension may include a rod.In some embodiments, the housing may include an inner support wall. Insome embodiments, the extension may extend through the inner supportwall and may be slidable through the inner support wall.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and arenot restrictive of the invention, as claimed. It should be understoodthat the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements andinstrumentality shown in the drawings. It should also be understood thatthe embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may beutilized and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be madewithout departing from the scope of the various embodiments of thepresent invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, notto be taken in a limiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of an example catheter system,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 1A,illustrating an example introducer needle that includes an exampledistal tip in an example first position, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 1A, illustrating an example needle assembly, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 1A, illustrating the distal tip in an example second position,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 1A, illustrating the distal tip in an example third position,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 1A, illustrating the distal tip in the third position and anexample spring clip blocking a distal opening of the needle assembly inresponse to movement of the distal tip from the second position to thethird position, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 1A, illustrating the needle assembly removed from an examplecatheter adapter, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1H is an upper perspective view of the needle assembly, accordingto some embodiments;

FIG. 2A is an upper perspective view of another example catheter system,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 2A,illustrating an example introducer needle that includes an exampledistal tip in an example first position, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 2A, illustrating the distal tip in an example second position,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 2A, illustrating the distal tip in a third position, according tosome embodiments;

FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 2A, illustrating the distal tip in the third position and anexample needle tip shield blocking a distal opening of an example needleassembly in response to movement of the distal tip from the secondposition to the third position, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 2A, illustrating the needle assembly removed from an examplecatheter adapter, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2G is an upper perspective view of the needle assembly, accordingto some embodiments;

FIG. 3A is cross-sectional view of another example catheter system,illustrating an example bias element and an example introducer needlethat includes an example distal tip in an example first position,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 3A, illustrating the distal tip in an example second position,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 3A, illustrating the distal tip in a third position, according tosome embodiments;

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 3A, illustrating the needle assembly removed from an examplecatheter adapter, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3E is an upper perspective view of an example spring clip of thecatheter system of FIG. 3A, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4A is cross-sectional view of the catheter system of FIG. 3A,illustrating the distal tip in an example first position and anotherexample bias element, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 3A, illustrating the distal tip in the second position and theother bias element, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 3A, illustrating the distal tip in the third position and the otherbias element, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 3A, illustrating other bias element and the needle assembly removedfrom the catheter adapter, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5A is a graph illustrating mechanism-induced friction-based dragforce versus withdrawal distance, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 5B is a graph illustrating a lower drag force of an examplecatheter system, according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a cathetersystem, which may include a needle assembly coupled to a catheteradapter. The needle assembly may include a housing, an introducerneedle, a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a needle tip shieldfeature. A distal tip of the introducer needle may be configured to beproximally withdrawn from a first position to a second position in whicha bump feature of the introducer needle contacts and is prevented frommoving through the proximal opening. In response to withdrawal of thedistal tip proximally from the second position to a third position, thehousing may move proximally, and the needle tip shield feature may bereleased to block the distal opening. The needle tip shield feature maynot contact the introducer needle when the distal tip moves proximallyfrom the first position to the second position and from the secondposition to the third position, which may reduce a friction-based dragforce on the introducer needle. FIGS. 1-4 further describe examples ofthe catheter system, according to some embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1B, a catheter system 10 is illustrated,according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system10 may include a catheter adapter 12, which may include a distal end 14,a proximal end 16, and a wall 18 forming a lumen 20. In someembodiments, the lumen 20 may extend through the distal end 14 and theproximal end 16. In some embodiments, the wall 18 may include a slot 21.In some embodiments, the slot 21 may include a hole extending throughthe wall 18 or a groove.

In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a catheter 22extending distally from the distal end 14 of the catheter adapter 12. Insome embodiments, the catheter 22 may include a peripheral intravenouscatheter (“PIVC”), a midline catheter, a peripherally inserted centralcatheter (“PICC”), or another suitable catheter. In some embodiments,the catheter system 10 may include any suitable catheter adapter 12. Insome embodiments, the catheter adapter 12 may include a side port influid communication with the lumen 20 of the catheter adapter 12. Insome embodiments, an extension tube may be integrated within the sideport and may be part of an extension set. In some embodiments, thecatheter adapter 12 may be straight or non-integrated and may notinclude the extension tube.

In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a needleassembly 24 coupled to the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, theneedle assembly 24 may include an introducer needle 26, which mayinclude a distal tip 28 and an optional bump feature 30. In someembodiments, the introducer needle 26 may be constructed of metal andthe distal tip 28 may be sharp. In some embodiments, the distal tip 28may be disposed distal to the catheter 22 in a first position, asillustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1A-1B. In some embodiments, the firstposition may correspond to an insertion position, ready for insertioninto vasculature of a patient.

In some embodiments, the needle assembly 24 may include a housing 32,which may include a distal opening 34, a proximal opening 36, and a sideopening 38. In some embodiments, a diameter of the proximal opening 36may be less than an outer diameter of the bump feature 30 such that thebump feature 30 may not pass through the proximal opening 36. In someembodiments, the bump feature 30 may include any suitable feature havingan increased outer diameter. In some embodiments, a proximal end of thehousing 32 may include a washer, which may include the proximal opening36.

In some embodiments, a proximal end 40 of the side opening 38 may bedistal to a proximal end 42 of the slot 21. In some embodiments, theneedle assembly 24 may include a spring clip 44, which may be disposedwithin the housing 32. In some embodiments, the spring clip 44 mayinclude a first end 46 and a second end 48. In some embodiments, thefirst end 46 may include a U-shaped portion 50, which may be partiallydisposed within the slot 21. In some embodiments, the proximal end ofthe side opening 38 may be disposed within the U-shaped portion 50 tobias and hold the U-shaped portion 50 outwardly. In some embodiments,the U-shaped portion 50 and/or an entirety of the spring clip 44 may notcontact the introducer needle 26, which may reduce a friction-based dragforce on the introducer needle 26 as the introducer needle 26 iswithdrawn.

In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion 50 may be generally U-shaped,which may include a V-shape or another bend shape that is suitable forretaining the proximal end 40 of the side opening 38 when the distal tip28 is in the first position and the second position. In someembodiments, the U-shaped portion may include a 180° bend. In someembodiments, the spring clip 44 may be constructed of metal or anothersuitable material. In some embodiments, the spring clip 44 may beresilient.

In some embodiments, a proximal end of the introducer needle 26 may besecured within a needle hub 51. In some embodiments, the needle hub 51may be proximate the housing 32. In some embodiments, the needle hub 51may include one or more grip features, which may facilitate gripping andmovement of the needle hub 51 in a proximal direction by the clinicianto withdraw the introducer needle 26 from the vasculature of the patientand the catheter 22.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, the distal tip 28 is illustrated between thefirst position and a second position. Referring now to FIG. 1D, in someembodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip 28 proximallyfrom the first position to the second position, illustrated, forexample, in FIG. 1C, the bump feature 30 may contact the proximalopening 36.

Referring now to FIGS. 1E-1F, in some embodiments, in response towithdrawal of the distal tip 28 proximally from the second position to athird position, illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1E, the housing 32 andthe proximal end 40 of the side opening 38 may move proximally, theU-shaped portion 50 may be released and move inwardly, and the springclip 44 may block the distal opening 34. In some embodiments, the firstend 46 of the spring clip 44 may abut the proximal end 40 of the sideopening 38, which may prevent the spring clip 44 from moving proximallyin response to the withdrawal of the distal tip 28 proximally from thesecond position to the third position. In some embodiments, the distaltip 28 and the housing 32 may move approximately 1 mm or anothersuitable distance between the first position and the second position,which may facilitate ease of withdrawal and capture of the distal tip28.

Referring now to FIG. 1F, in some embodiments, the first end of thespring clip 44 may include a needle tip shield feature or a shieldportion 52. In some embodiments, the shield portion 52 may be generallyL-shaped and may extend from the U-shaped portion 50. In someembodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip 28 proximallyfrom the second position to the third position, the shield portion 52may block the distal opening 34 such that the distal tip 28 is preventedfrom exiting the distal opening 34. In some embodiments, the spring clip44 or the shield portion 52 may also prevent blood from leaking out ofthe distal opening 34.

In some embodiments, the first end 46 of the spring clip 44 may includea lip 54, which may extend proximally from the shield portion 52. Insome embodiments, the shield portion 52 may be disposed in between thelip 54 and the U-shaped portion 50. In some embodiments, in response towithdrawal of the distal tip 28 proximally from the second position tothe third position, the distal tip 28 may be disposed between the lip 54and the U-shaped portion 50. In these embodiments, the first end 46 ofthe spring clip 44 may cross a longitudinal axis 56 (see also FIGS.1A-1B) of the catheter system 10.

In some embodiments, the spring clip 44 may include an opening 58. Insome embodiments, the introducer needle 26 may extend through theopening 58 of the spring clip 44. In some embodiments, the introducerneedle may be spaced apart from opening 58, which may reduce afriction-based drag force on the introducer needle 26 as the introducerneedle 26 is withdrawn proximally. In some embodiments, an outerdiameter of the introducer needle 26 proximal to the bump feature 30 maybe slightly less than the proximal opening 36 of the housing 32 suchthat the introducer needle contacts and is supported by the proximalopening 36. In these embodiments, a close fit between the introducerneedle 26 and the proximal opening 36 of the housing 32 may preventblood leakage through the proximal opening 36 of the housing 32.

In some embodiments, the spring clip 44 may be generally U-shapedbetween the first end 46 and the second end 48. In some embodiments, theopening 58 of the spring clip 44 may be disposed within a mouth of ageneral U-shape between the first end 46 and the second end 48. In someembodiments, the mouth of the general U-shape between the first end 46and the second end 48 may face in a distal direction, and a mouth of theU-shaped portion 50 may face in a proximal direction.

In some embodiments, the housing 32 may include a groove 59. In someembodiments, the second end 48 of the spring clip 44 may be disposedwithin the groove 59. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal ofthe distal tip 28 proximally from the second position to the thirdposition, the housing 32 and the proximal end 40 of the side opening 38may move proximally and the second end 48 of the spring clip 44 may movecloser to a distal end of the groove 59.

Referring now to FIGS. 1G-1H, in some embodiments, the needle assembly24 may be removed from the catheter adapter 12 in response to proximallywithdrawing the distal tip 28 from the second position to the thirdposition and release of the U-shaped portion from the proximal end 40 ofthe side opening 38 and the slot 21.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2B, a catheter system 60 is illustrated,according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system60 may include or correspond to the catheter system 10. In someembodiments, the catheter system 60 may be similar or identical to thecatheter system 10 of FIGS. 1A-1H in terms of one or more includedcomponents and/or operation. FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate the distal tip 28 ofthe introducer needle 26 in a first position, according to someembodiments.

In some embodiments, a needle assembly 62 of the catheter system 60 mayinclude a housing 64, which may include or correspond to the housing 32of FIGS. 1A-1H, and a needle tip shield 66. In some embodiments, thehousing 64 may include one or more support ledges 68, which may bedisposed lateral to the introducer needle 26. In some embodiments, theneedle tip shield 66 may include one or more contact surfaces 70. Insome embodiments, the needle tip shield 66 may include an elongated body72 with one or more arms 74 extending inwardly from the elongated body72. In some embodiments, the arms 74 may include the contact surfaces70. In some embodiments, the arms 74 may be lateral to the introducerneedle 26 and may not contact the introducer needle 26. In someembodiments, the needle tip shield 66 may not contact the introducerneedle 26, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2B, which may reduce afriction-based drag force on the introducer needle 26 as the introducerneedle 26 is withdrawn.

In some embodiments, a compression element 76 may be disposed at leastpartially around the housing 64 and the needle tip shield 66. In someembodiments, the compression element may include a spring band, whichmay be annular. In some embodiments, the contact surfaces 70 may bealigned with the support ledges 68, and the compression element 76 maypress the contact surfaces 70 against the support ledges 68.

In some embodiments, the housing 64 may include a distal opening 78 anda proximal opening 80. In some embodiments, a diameter of the proximalopening 80 may be less than an outer diameter of the bump feature 30such that the bump feature 30 may not pass through the proximal opening80. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the housing 64 may include awasher, which may include the proximal opening 80.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, in some embodiments, in response to withdrawalof the distal tip 28 proximally from the first position to a secondposition, illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2C, the bump feature 30 maycontact the proximal opening 80.

Referring now to FIGS. 2D-2E, in some embodiments, in response towithdrawal of the distal tip 28 proximally from the second position to athird position, illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2D, the housing 64 maymove proximally and the contact surfaces 70 may be unaligned with thesupport ledges 68. In response, as illustrated in FIG. 2E, for example,the compression element 76 moves the housing 64 and the needle tipshield 66 together and the needle tip shield 66 blocks the distalopening 78 and/or prevents blood from leaking out of the distal opening78.

In some embodiments, the wall 18 of the catheter adapter 12 may includea slot 82. In some embodiments, the slot 82 may include a hole extendingthrough the wall 18 or a groove. In some embodiments, the needle tipshield 66 may include a protrusion 84 disposed within the slot 82. Insome embodiments, in response to withdrawal of the distal tip 28proximally from the second position to the third position, the housing64 may move proximally and the contact surfaces 70 may be unaligned withthe support ledges 68 such that the compression element 76 moves thehousing 64 and the needle tip shield 66 together and the protrusion 84is removed from the slot 82.

Referring now to FIGS. 2F-2G, in some embodiments, in response to theprotrusion 84 being removed from the slot 82, the catheter adapter 12and the needle assembly 62 may be uncoupled. In some embodiments, theneedle assembly 24 may be removed from the catheter adapter 12 inresponse to proximally withdrawing the distal tip 28 from the secondposition to the third position and uncoupling of the catheter adapter 12and the needle assembly 62.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, a catheter system 86 is illustrated, accordingto some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system 86 mayinclude or correspond to the catheter system 10 and/or the cathetersystem 60. In some embodiments, the catheter system 86 may be similar oridentical to the catheter system 10 of FIGS. 1A-1H and/or the cathetersystem 60 of FIGS. 2A-2G in terms of one or more included componentsand/or operation. FIG. 3A illustrates the distal tip 28 of theintroducer needle 26 in a first position, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the catheter system 86 may include a needleassembly 87, which may include an outer housing 88, which may include orcorrespond to the housing 32 of FIGS. 1A-1H and/or the housing 64 ofFIGS. 2A-2G. In some embodiments, the needle assembly 87 may include abias element 90, which may be disposed within the outer housing 88. Insome embodiments, the bias element 90 may include a proximal opening 92,which may include a diameter less than the outer diameter of the bumpfeature 30 such that the bump feature 30 may not pass through theproximal opening 92. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 26 mayextend through a distal opening 94 of the outer housing 88 and theproximal opening 92 of the bias element 90.

In some embodiments, the needle assembly 87 may include a spring clip96, which may be disposed within the outer housing 88. In someembodiments, the spring clip 96 may include a U-shaped portion 98 and anarm 100 that extends distal to the U-shaped portion 98. In someembodiments, the arm 100 may be engaged with the catheter adapter 12. Insome embodiments, an end of the arm 100 may include a finger, which maybe disposed in a groove of the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments,the bias element 90 may contact the U-shaped portion 98 to bias thespring clip 96 in a compressed position, as illustrated, for example inFIG. 3A-3B.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the distal tip 28 may beconfigured to be withdrawn proximally from the first position to asecond position in which the bump feature 30 contacts the proximalopening 92 of the bias element 90.

Referring now to FIG. 3C, in some embodiments, in response to withdrawalof the distal tip 28 proximally from the second position to a thirdposition, the bias element 90 may move proximal to the U-shaped portion98 to release the U-shaped portion 98 from the compressed position andthe arm 100 from the catheter adapter 12, and the U-shaped portion 98may block the distal opening 94 such that the distal tip 28 of theintroducer needle 26 is prevented from exiting the distal opening 94and/or blood is prevent from leaking out of the distal opening 94.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, in some embodiments, the bias element 90may include an inner housing, which may surround the introducer needle26.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D, in some embodiments, the bias element 90may include a base 102 and an extension 104 extending distally from thebase 102. In some embodiments, the extension 104 may contact theU-shaped portion 98 to bias the spring clip 96 in the compressedposition. In some embodiments, the base 102 may include the proximalopening 92 of the bias element 90. In some embodiments, the extension104 may be spaced apart from the introducer needle 26. In someembodiments, the extension 104 may include a rod or another suitableshape that may not interfere with the introducer needle 26 as it iswithdrawn. In some embodiments, the outer housing 88 may include aninner support wall 106. In some embodiments, the extension 104 mayextend through the inner support wall 106 and may be slidable throughthe inner support wall 106.

In some embodiments, when the distal tip 28 is in the first position andthe second position, the spring clip 96 may exert a strong force on theextension 104. Thus, in some embodiments, to bias the spring clip 96 andhold the U-shaped portion 98 in the compressed position, the extension104 may be disposed below the introducer needle 26. In further detail,in some embodiments, the extension 104 may be disposed on a side of theintroducer needle 26 opposite a mouth of the U-shaped portion 98 andtowards the arm 100. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawal ofthe distal tip 28 proximally from the second position to a thirdposition, the extension 104 may move proximal to the U-shaped portion 98to release the U-shaped portion 98 from the compressed position.

Referring back to FIG. 3E, the spring clip 96 is illustrated accordingto some embodiments. In some embodiments, the spring clip 96 include anysuitable spring clip. FIG. 3E illustrates the arm 100, the finger 108angled with respect to the arm 100, the U-shaped portion 98, and acoupler portion 108. In some embodiments, the coupler portion 108 may becoupled to an inner surface of the outer housing 88. In someembodiments, the spring clip 96 may be resilient. In some embodiments,the U-shaped portion may be generally U-shaped, which may include aV-shape or another suitable bend shape. In some embodiments, the springclip 44 may be constructed of metal or another suitable material.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, one or more of thecatheter systems described in the present disclosure may be configuredto reduce friction-induced drag force on an introducer needle duringwithdrawal of the introducer needle from the patient and a catheterassembly. In some embodiments, the reduced friction-induced drag mayreduce a likelihood of the clinician accidentally dislodging thecatheter from an insertion site and the vasculature. The distance andrelative force magnitude values of FIG. 4 are meant to be examples forillustration purposes and are not limiting.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, the catheter system 10, the catheter system60, and the catheter system 86 may be configured to reducefriction-induced drag force on the introducer needle 26 duringwithdrawal of the introducer needle 26 from the patient and a catheterassembly, which may include the catheter adapter 12 and the catheter 22.In some embodiments, the graph of FIG. 5A may correspond to one or moreof the following: the catheter system 10, the catheter system 60, andthe catheter system 86. In some embodiments, the reducedfriction-induced drag may reduce a likelihood of the clinicianaccidentally dislodging the catheter 22 from an insertion site and thevasculature. The distance and relative force magnitude values of FIG. 5Aare meant to be examples for illustration purposes and are not limiting.

FIG. 5B is a graph illustrating a lower drag force of an examplecatheter system of the present disclosure (“Low drag 16 Ga”) versuscatheter systems known in the art (“Normal 16 Ga”), according to someembodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, a load on the catheter system(“Low drag 16 Ga”) remains lower at various extension or withdrawaldistances of the introducer needle compared with the other cathetersystems known in the art. The load or drag force for the catheter system(“Low drag 16 Ga”) may average at about 0.1 N, while the cathetersystems known in the art have a load or drag force of about 0.5 to 0.6Non average. In some embodiments, the catheter system (“Low drag 16 Ga”)may include or correspond to the catheter system 86 of FIGS. 3-4 and maybe configured to reduce friction-induced drag force on the introducerneedle 26 during withdrawal of the introducer needle 26 from thepatient.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention andthe concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and areto be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recitedexamples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present inventionshave been described in detail, it should be understood that the variouschanges, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should beunderstood that the embodiments may be combined.

We claim:
 1. A catheter system, comprising: a catheter adapter,comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a wall forming a lumen,wherein the wall comprises a slot; a catheter extending distally fromthe distal end of the catheter adapter; a needle assembly coupled to thecatheter adapter, the needle assembly comprising: an introducer needle,comprising a distal tip and a bump feature, wherein the distal tip isdisposed distal to the catheter in a first position; a housing,comprising: a distal opening; a proximal opening, wherein a diameter ofthe proximal opening is less than an outer diameter of the bump feature;and a side opening, wherein a proximal end of the side opening is distalto a proximal end of the slot; and a spring clip disposed within thehousing, wherein the spring clip comprises a first end and a second end,wherein the first end comprises a U-shaped portion partially disposedwithin the slot, wherein the proximal end of the side opening isdisposed within the U-shaped portion to bias the U-shaped portionoutwardly, wherein the U-shaped portion does not contact the introducerneedle, wherein in response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximallyfrom the first position to a second position, the bump feature contactsthe proximal opening, wherein in response to withdrawal of the distaltip proximally from the second position to a third position, the housingand the proximal end of the side opening move proximally, the U-shapedportion is released and moves inwardly, and the spring clip blocks thedistal opening.
 2. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the first endof the spring clip abuts the proximal end of the side opening.
 3. Thecatheter system of claim 1, wherein the first end of the spring clipcomprises a shield portion, wherein the shield portion is generallyL-shaped and extends from the U-shaped portion, wherein in response towithdrawal of the distal tip proximally from the second position to athird position, the shield portion blocks the distal opening.
 4. Thecatheter system of claim 3, wherein the first end of the spring clipfurther comprises a lip extending proximally from the shield portion,wherein the shield portion is disposed in between the lip and theU-shaped portion, wherein in response to withdrawal of the distal tipproximally from the second position to the third position, the distaltip is disposed between the lip and the U-shaped portion.
 5. Thecatheter system of claim 1, wherein the spring clip does not contact theintroducer needle.
 6. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the springclip comprises an opening, wherein the introducer needle extends throughthe opening, wherein the introducer needle is spaced apart from theopening.
 7. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the spring clip isgenerally U-shaped between the first end and the second end.
 8. Thecatheter system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a groove,wherein the second end of the spring clip is disposed within the groove,wherein in response to withdrawal of the distal tip proximally from thesecond position to the third position, the housing and the proximal endof the side opening move proximally and the second end moves closer to adistal end of the groove.